Knifeless Victorinox mod

[Enkrig]

Hi,

I would like to get a multitool that can be kept in the carry-on when flying. I looked at the Leatherman Juice CS3, but I would like to also have flat and phillips screwdriver. Hence, I was think of modding a Victorinox Climber and removing the blades and awl.

Therefore, my two main questions are:
1. Can the corkscrew be used as the backlayer tool for the can/bottle opener layer?
2. In order for 1 to work, since the corkscrew must be in the last layer because of the way it extends into the scale, I would have to make the can/bottle opener layer the last layer rather than the first. Would it be ok to flip/turn-around the openers so that nail nicks still face toward the scale?

Anyway ideas about the questions, alternative tool/combo, or comments on the general idea, are highly appreciated.

Tools that I would like to have:
- scissors
- can opener
- flat and phillips screwdriver
- corkscrew (not an absolute must have, but itis quite useful to me because it gives me a place to carry an eyeglasses screwdriver)
- and, ideally, tweezers

 

[Old Biker]

I think you would have to do some careful filing/lapping on the tang of the corkscrew. it measures about 1/64 inch wider than the awl. If you thinned the tang on the corkscrew I can't see any reason it wouldn't work.

O.B

 

[A.L.]

I presume that you are American but international flights might not allow scissors, even screwdrivers or corkscrews.

 

[Enkrig]

I think you would have to do some careful filing/lapping on the tang of the corkscrew. it measures about 1/64 inch wider than the awl. If you thinned the tang on the corkscrew I can't see any reason it wouldn't work.

That's excellent information. Thank you.

 

[Enkrig]

I presume that you are American but international flights might not allow scissors, even screwdrivers or corkscrews.

Yes, I was thinking of domestic US flights as the primary use case... However, it is intriguing that you mention that scissors might be an issue with international flights. I've traveled the world with a small pair of scissors (about 5in) in a first-aid I always carry with me and never had any problem. I wonder if this is a recent restriction?

 

[A.L.]

Yes, I was thinking of domestic US flights as the primary use case... However, it is intriguing that you mention that scissors might be an issue with international flights. I've traveled the world with a small pair of scissors (about 5in) in a first-aid I always carry with me and never had any problem. I wonder if this is a recent restriction?

I can't tell. You'd probably be okay but I the regulations depend on country to country / airline to airline I suppose.

 

[comis]

Yes, I was thinking of domestic US flights as the primary use case... However, it is intriguing that you mention that scissors might be an issue with international flights. I've traveled the world with a small pair of scissors (about 5in) in a first-aid I always carry with me and never had any problem. I wonder if this is a recent restriction?

I too travel around the world often, and I think it is largely dependent on which countries you are travelling in/to. To be on the safe side, anything that is 'sharp' or 'pointy' are probably best left in the luggage. And as a very friendly reminder, even the can opener/awl/corkscrew could all potentially be a problem at the security.

About the modding question, I haven't done a knifeless mod yet, but just for reference, here is a disassembly picture I took of a climber taken apart:

Depending on where you are relocating the corkscrew, you may need opening at the back side for the coils to rest within the chassis, which means potentially losing some backside tools. And should you decide to mod the openers to fit in place of the two blades, you probably will need a 0.4mm spacer to make up the thickness difference(which could easily be done with brass sheet)

For bladeless SAK options, one of the nicer config I have seen is to place a metal file in place of the large blade with a new spacer at the end. Here is a link to MTO where one of the member discussed various bladeless SAK mods:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,73783.msg1548890.html#msg1548890

 

[Enkrig]

comis : Thank you so much for the photo. It is extremely helpful. I get the impression that I might need to do a bit of filing but the opener layer should work corkscrew. It seems that the flipping of the tools (my Q2), however, won't work but that might still be ok.

Anyway, my main uncertainties have been answered, and I think that it is worth a try... Thank you. I'll let y'all know if I manage to pull it off.

 

[yablanowitz]

The tangs of the can opener and bottle opener are a little different, as are the two ends of the spring for that layer. Flipping the tools over and swapping ends to get the nail nicks to the outside will work, sort of, but the tension of the tools will feel wrong, since each will be riding on the wrong end of the spring. Add in the difference between the tangs of the awl and corkscrew on the back of the spring and you probably won't be thrilled with the outcome.

 

[Enkrig]

The tangs of the can opener and bottle opener are a little different, as are the two ends of the spring for that layer. Flipping the tools over and swapping ends to get the nail nicks to the outside will work, sort of, but the tension of the tools will feel wrong, since each will be riding on the wrong end of the spring. Add in the difference between the tangs of the awl and corkscrew on the back of the spring and you probably won't be thrilled with the outcome.

I got that impression from comis disassembly photo also. Since I'll have the parts all out, I may try it work just to satisfy my inner curiosity

 

[yablanowitz]

Have fun. That was the voice of experience talking, but I'm not trying to dissuade you, just a little forewarning.

 

[Frailer]

I have just such a mod in my pocket. I got it originally for flying, but I find myself carrying it frequently, even when I’m remaining earthbound.

The answer to question 1 is yes, although due to the shape of the opener layer spring the corkscrew will sit ever so slightly proud. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest, and I’m perfectly content with it, but I suspect a little judicious filing could eliminate this “problem.”



I don’t know the answer to question 2, but I do know that even if you don’t flip the openers accessing the nail nicks isn’t a problem.

 

[Enkrig]

I have just such a mod in my pocket. I got it originally for flying, but I find myself carrying it frequently, even when I’m remaining earthbound.

The answer to question 1 is yes, although due to the shape of the opener layer spring the corkscrew will sit ever so slightly proud. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest, and I’m perfectly content with it, but I suspect a little judicious filing could eliminate this “problem.”

View attachment 1414784

I don’t know the answer to question 2, but I do no that even if you don’t flip the openers accessing the nail nicks isn’t a problem.

View attachment 1414785

This is awesome! Thank you so much, Frailer.

Just out of curiosity, if you have carried it while flying, did TSA question you about it or demanded a closer inspection?

 

[Frailer]

The first time I flew with it the TSA agent looked at it like a puppy looking at a wristwatch. “But...it’s a knife.” Once I finally opened all the implements he was (mostly) satisfied. Since then, I just open the implements when I put the contents of my pockets in the little bowl and tell the agent there is no blade. No problems since.